News

Hurricane Sandy highlights vital role of public employees

Not surprisingly, AFT members along the Eastern Seaboard felt the impact of Hurricane Sandy—both professionally and personally. The storm and its aftermath highlighted the essential services provided by educators, state workers, healthcare professionals and other public employees. Many of these workers stepped up to help with the rescue and relief efforts. In some cases, these employees mounted heroic efforts in the face of very difficult circumstances.

A Message from President English

Fellow Union Members and Families,

November 6, 2012, Election Day, is a day of great importance for working families and particularly for union members. Decisions will be made at the ballot box that will

AFT-Maryland office closed Monday & Tuesday

President English wishes to convey that AFT-Maryland Office will be closed Monday, 10/29/12, due to the severe weather. UPDATE: The AFT-Maryland Office will remain closed on Tuesday, October 30th. Everyone be safe.

UPDATE: Our office remains without Internet service/email. If you need to reach us, please call (410) 764-3030.

Seeking volunteers for political canvassing in Ocean City

Date: 10/27/12
Time: 10am-7pm

Volunteers are needed to assist the general employees of the Town of Ocean City as they seek to get a ballot initiative passed that would grant them collective bargaining rights like the Police and Fire employees have had in the town for years. We will walk through the neighborhoods and talk to voters at their homes about the importance of passing this initiative, asking them to vote 'yes' in support of the initiative (a brief training will be provided).

Overnight accommodations for Saturday night, reimbursements for mileage to and from Ocean City, and a food stipend will all be provided.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Christine Curry at ccurry@aft-maryland.org or 202-486-2356 no later than Thursday October 18. 2012.

Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of Unions

On May 3, 2012, Joel Smith appeared before the Court of Appeals on behalf of a coalition of Anne Arundel County public safety unions.

Joel argued that a 2011 bill passed by the Anne Arundel County Council and signed by the County Executive was in clear violation of a 2002 Amendment to the Anne Arundel County Charter. The Amendment mandated binding interest arbitration to resolve disputes concerning terms and conditions of employment for certain public safety employees. In an opinion dated September 28, 2012, the Court agreed. The Court concluded that the 2002 Amendment and its implementing legislation were entirely lawful. The 2011 bill was unlawful. The opinion settles thirty-five years of case law on the issue.

This is an important win for public employees across the State of Maryland.

Read more...

Anti-Union film, "Won't Back Down": What You Need To Know

Information union supporters need to know about the new film "Won't Back Down", starring Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal as a parent-teacher duo who use a "parent trigger" law to take over a failing public school.

Candidates: Where I stand on education

When voters go to the polls on Nov. 6, they'll choose from among presidential candidates who have very different views on the major issues affecting America, including education. With the election rapidly approaching, eSchool News has pulled together a summary of what each of the two major party candidates - - President Barack Obama for the Democratic Party, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican Party - - have said about their plans for K-12 education.

Support for Chicago Teachers Union

The 18,000-member American Federation of Teachers-Maryland pledges its full support to the 30,000 teachers and staff of the Chicago Teachers Union who are on strike.

AFT-Maryland and its affiliates throughout the state stand with the Chicago Teachers Union and support its members in their efforts to secure a fair contract that will enable them to improve instruction, and ensure job security and fair compensation for educators.

We are proud to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in their fight to ensure that every child in Chicago’s public schools has access to a great education, and that educators and their work are valued.

Vote for AFT's "Everyday Hero"

Voting is a big topic this year, but here’s one vote you don’t have to wait until November to cast—vote now for your favorite AFT Everyday Hero for 2012!

One of our own (BCFPE, AFT-Maryland, AFL-CIO and a Baltimore County Government Employee/Volunteer) HAS MADE IT TO THE SEMI-FINALISTS ROUND!

VOTE FOR MICHAEL MORRIS – 2012 AFT PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DIVISION EVERYDAY HERO

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!!

Everyday Heroes: AFT Public Employees Semifinalists

http://www.aft.org/everydayheroes/pubemps2012.cfm

City notes second declining set of test scores

School administrators see declining test scores as "call to action." MORE